Location: Talbot County, MD | Metro: Talbot County, MD
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,090 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,260 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,970 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,370 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $2,749 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $3,079 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $3,325 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $3,491 |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The economics of Section 8 in ZIP code 21665 are defined by the SAFMR (Small Area Fair Market Rent) which is set specifically for this ZIP code. For a two-bedroom apartment, the SAFMR for fiscal year 2026 is $1,410. This figure represents the maximum amount that the Housing Choice Voucher program will pay for rent in this area.
Local market rent data is currently unavailable, which makes it difficult to provide a direct comparison. However, the SAFMR serves as a benchmark for landlords participating in the Section 8 program.
A landlord should understand that the voucher payment is split between the tenant contribution and the government subsidy. The tenant is responsible for paying 30% of their adjusted income towards rent and utilities. Once this amount is deducted, the remainder is covered by the voucher, up to the SAFMR limit of $1,410. It's important to note that the voucher also includes an allowance for utilities, which can vary based on the tenant's usage but is typically capped at a certain amount per unit.
To illustrate, if a tenant's 30% contribution towards rent and utilities is $400, then the voucher would cover the remaining $1,010 of the $1,410 SAFMR. If the total rent plus utilities exceeds $1,410, the landlord must absorb the difference. Conversely, if the total rent plus utilities is less than $1,410, the landlord receives the full amount without any surplus.
In ZIP 21665, landlords need to ensure their rental rates align with the SAFMR to avoid financial loss. Given the SAFMR of $1,410, landlords should calculate their expected income based on the tenant's contribution and the utility allowance. If the local market rent is higher than the SAFMR, landlords might face a shortfall. If it's lower, they won't benefit from additional subsidies beyond the SAFMR cap.
Without specific local market rent figures, it's challenging to quantify the exact reimbursement gap or surplus. However, landlords should be prepared for potential gaps if market rents exceed the SAFMR, as they will not receive additional funds from the voucher program to make up the difference.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.